Automobile storage device



March 16, 1937. E. M. WHEELOCK AUTOMOBILE STORAESE DEVICE Original FiiedJan. 18 1930 7 Sheets-"Sheet l w-mE mW N UM m. mm W x M Z u? m.

March 16, 1937.

E. M. WHEELOCK AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVICE Original Filed Jan. 18, 1950 I7 Sheets-Sheet 2 /Yliforneys March 16, 1937. WHEE} QCK 2073,721

AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVI CE Original Filed Jan. 18, 1930 7 Sheefs-Sheet 3fzorneys March 16, 1937. r-:. M. WHEELOCK AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVICEOriginal Filed Jan. 18, 1930 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 In ven for: E M W/zeelock.

March 16, 1937. M WHEELOCK AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVICE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5Original Filed Jan. 18, 1930 v March 1937. E. M. WHEELOCK V 2073721AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVICE Original Filed Jan. 18, 1930 7 Sheets-Sheet 6Patented Mar. 16, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AUTOMOBILE STORAGEDEVICE Edwin M. Wheelock, Minneapolis, Minn.

Application January 18, 1.930, Serial N0. 421,660 Renewed July 20, 193617 Claims.

My invention relates to automobile storage devices, and an object ingeneral is to improve upon prior devices of this kind. In my PatentNumber 1849,470 I have disclosed and. claimed an automobile storagedevice Which includes an elevator adapted to cooperate with alleyways onvarious f1oors of a building, a truck carried. by the elevator and uponwhich automobiles may be placed for raising and lowering them by theelevator, and. power operated mechanism for running the truck on thealleyways back and forth with relation to the elevator, and I havefurther disclosed and claimed. an electric motor mounted on the truckfor driving the Same, a. winding 1 drum mounted on the elevator, andconducting cables 011 the winding drum connected with the motor forsupplying current thereto. In my Patent Number 1977785, I have disclosedand claimed an automobile storage dtavice which includes an elevatoradapted to cooperate with the various fioors of a building, anextensible mechanism carried by the elevator for pushing and pullirigautomobiles, means for connecting the extensible mechanism withautomobiles, and. mechanism for projecting the extensible mechanism frab least the 1ength of an automobile and for retracting the extensiblemechanism. In my Patent Number 2,04'7347, I have disclosed and claimedan automobile storage device which 30 includes an elevator adapted tocooperate with the various floors 01 a building, an extensible mechanismcarried by the elevator for pushing and. pulling automobiles, and.mechanism for projecting the extensible mechanism for ab least thelength of an automobile in two opposite directions from the elevator andfor retracting the extensible mechanism, and I have furfiher disclosedandclaimed a truck carried by the elevator and upon Which the extensiblemechanism is mounted in combination with power operated mechanism forrunning the truck on alleyways back and forth With relation 110 twosides cf the elevator at right angles to the direction in which theextensible mechanism is capable of being projected.

Particular objects of the present invention are to provide in addition120 the broad features above referred to, an improved extensiblemechanism for pushing and pulling automobiles adapted to be projectedfor ab least the 1ength of an automobile from an elevator and to beretracted, to provide a truck carried by the elevator and. upon whichthe improved extensible mechanism is mounted so that it may be projectedtherefrom 5 and retracted, t0 provicle means Dreventing operation of theelevator when the truck is oft the elevator, and to provide means forpreventing operation of the elevator when the extensible mechanism isprojected outside the limits of the elevator. As shown in the particularembodiment herein disclosed, the extensible mechanism includes aplurality 0f slides with which a flexible element is associated andadapted 110 be driven in such manner that the extensible mechanism maybe projected to the desired extent from either of two opposite sides ofthe e1evator, the s1ides when in neutral or retracted position beingnested together Within the periphery of the elevator. By mounting theextensible mechanism upon a truck which is capable of being driven inopposite directions from the e1evator and ab right ang1es to thedirection of projection movement 0f the extensible mechanism, oneelevator may bemade 130 serve a 1arge amount of floor space havingstalls extending out in all directions from the elevator. This is amatter of particular importance in connection With buildings having asmall number of floors and spreading out over considerable ground.

The full objects and. advantages of my invention will appear inconnection with the detailed description thereof, and the n0vel featuresof my inventive idea will be particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the aecompanying drawings which illustrate one of the forms in whichmy invention may be embodiedFig. 1 is a top p1an view in which a truckis shown in position on an elevator. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan viewshowing the s1ides which appear in Fig. 1 on an enlarged sca1e. Fig 3 isa view in vertical section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 on an enlargedscale. Fig. 4 is a view in vertical section on the 1ine 4& of Fig. 1 onan enlarged sca1e. Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section on the 1ine 55of Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale. Fig. 6 is a view in horizonta1 sectionon the line 66 of Fig. 5. Fig. '7 is a view in section through a slidemember showing the manner in which different stretches of a cable crosseach other. Fig. 8 is a view in vertical section on the 1ine 8-8 of Fig.6. Fig. 9 is a detail view showing the manner in which rollers are used120 support the slide members. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective viewShOW- ing the construction of sheet metal members which carry theslides. Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view showing the position of thestretches f a cable when the s1ides are all in place on the elevator.Fig. 12 is a view showing the position 0f the stretches of the cablewhen the slides are projected to one side. Fig. 13 is a. view showingthe position of the stretches of the cable when the slides are projectedto the other side. Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a switch taken 011 theline 14-14 of Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a view taken in section on line 15-15of Figs. 1 and 14. Fig. 16 is a wiring diagram showing connections forswitches. Fig. 17 is a view in section on 1ine 1'1-17 of Figs. 1 and 18.Fig. 18 is a view in section on line 1818 of Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a planview of a lower sheet metal structure for carrying outer s1ide members.Fig. 20 is a plan view 0f an overlying sheet metal structure forcarrying intermediate s1ide members. Fig. 21 is a view in section on theline 2121 of Fig. 4. Figs. 22 to 25 are wiring diagram views.

Referring to the construction shown in the drawings, the numeral 24designates an elevator platform which may be raised and lowered in anyWeil known manner so as to register substantially With the floors of a.storage garage or building, one of the floors being indicated. by thenumeral 25. The fioors of the building adjacent the elevator arepreferably provided with s1idable fire doors 25, one for each of thefour sides of the elevator. A truck indicated ab 28 has small wheels 30a.t the four oorners thereof so that it may be run upon and oft theelevator platform 24. F01 the purpose of guio'ling the t1uck along thealleyways 011 the fioors, traoks or ways 32 may be provided and thesetracks or ways may be of the natura disclosed in my prior applicationSerial Number 91,080 filed February 27, 1926 in which both metal tracksand grooves in the fioor are disclosed. It will be understood thatsimilar tracks for the truck a1e provided on the elevator platform 22,these tracks being indicated at 34. A1; least two housing members 36 and38 spaced. from each other a.re seeured to the truck 28, these twomembers taken together being of such width that they may be straddleclby the wheels of an automobile as Will be understood from Fig. 1 inwhich the numeral 40 designates the wheels 01 an automobile. While thisfigure shows only one pair 01 housing members, 119 will be umlerstoodfrom Figs. 3 and 4 that if the elevator is cf sufficient size, two ormore pairs of the housing members may be mounted thereon in order thattwo or more automobiles may be oarried a1; one time by the e1evator. Anextensible mechanism which Will shortly be referred 130 in detai1 ismounted between the pa.ir of housing members 315 and 38, the extensiblemechanism being so constructed that it may be projected from 1;heelevator for at least Ehe length of an automobile.

Mounted on the truck in any convenient position such as shovvn in Fig.1, there is a reversible electric motor 42 whose shaft carries a gear 44meshing with a gear 46 secured 130 a shaft 48 upon which two of thetruck wheels 30 are secured so that by operating the motor 42 in one011rection er the other, the truck may be moved off from and on 120 theelevator. Mounted. in ehe housing member 38 as shown in Fig. 4, there isa reversible eleotric motor 50 whose shaft carries a gear 52 meshingwith a gear 54 secured to one end of a shaft 56 which is provided with aworm 60 which meshes with a Worm gear 62 formed on the periphery of asheave 01' drum 64 as will be understood in connection with Fig. 3. Thesheave 64 is rotatably mounted in horizontal position on a. support 66secured to the truck midway between the housing members 30 and 38. Aswill be understood from Figs. 3 and 4, a number of pairs 01 supports 68and. 10 extend acros s the truck, being secured thereto in spacedrelation in the space between the housing members 36 and 38, and pairso1 rollers '12 and. '14 are mounted on these supports. The pairs ofrollers '12 and. '14 serve to support a sheet metal structure Which isshown in plan in Fig. 19. 'Ihis structure consists of side strips 76 and18 spaced from each other and. connected. by end cross pieces '19 and anintermediate cross piece 80 while intermediately positioned. between theside strips 16 and '18 there are pairs of angle bars 81 and 82, thecross pieces being offset upwardly as will be understood from Fig. 10 soas to provide portions 83 which fit together With the ang1e bars 81 and82. A sheet metal structure shown in plan in Fig. 20 is slidably mountedon and is narrower than the sheet metal struoture just described. Thisnarrower sheet metal structure consists of end cross pieces 88 and anintermediate cross piece 90, these cross pieces being offset upwardly aswill be understood from Fig. 10 so as to provide portions 02 which fitslidably over the offset portions 83. As Will be understood fr0m Fig. 9the floor 25 has secured thereto, supports 94 in which are mountedrollers 96 upon Which the bars 81 and 82 are adapted to run. A oentra]slide member 98 rests slidably upon the cross pieces 80 and 90, thisslide being in the form of a hollow beam having a longitudinal slot ini1;s lower side to receive the ofiset portions 92. A1. the two sides ofthe slide member 98, there are a pair of slides 100 and. 102 which arein the form of I-beams and are secured to the cross pieces 88 and 89 aswill be understooo'l from Fig. 20. At the outer sides of the s1idemembers 100 and 102, there are a pair of slide members 104 and 100 whichare in the form of I-beams and are secured to longitudinal strips '16and 78 respectively as will be understood from Fig. 19. It is apparent,therefore, that the s1ide members 100 and 102 will travel in unison witheach other and that the slide members 104 and 106 will travel in unisonwith each other. As will appea.r later, the central slide 08 has aportion only of its projection movement independently of the slide 100and 102 while the slides 100 and 102 have a portion only of theirprojection movement independently of the slides 104 and 106.

As will be understood from Figs. 5, 7, 11, 12 and 13 the center slide 98has a pulley 108 mounted at one end thereof and a pulley 108 mounted a1;the other end thereof. 'Ihe two intermediate s1ides 100 and 102 have twopulleys mounted ab each end thereof, one above the other. For the slide100, the two pulleys a1. one end thereof are designated 110 and 112whi1e the two pulleys at 1;he other end thereof will be referred 110 as110 and 112, it being understood thar. the pulley 112 is below thepulley 1 10 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 and that ehe pulley 1 12 is belowthe pulley 110. For the slide 102, the two pulleys a1; one end thereofare designated 1 14 and I 16 while ehe two pulleys ac the other endthereof will be referred 130 as H4 and 110, it being understood that thepulley 110 is below the pulley H4 and that the pulley 116 is below thepulley 114. The t;wo outer slides 104 and 106 also have two pulleysmounted a1: each end thereof. For the slide 104, the two pulleys ab oneend thereof are designated 118 and 120 while the two pul1eys a1: theother end thereof Will be referred as 118 and 120, it being understoodthat the pulley 120 is below the pulley 118 and that the pulley 120 isbelow the pulley 118. For the slide 106, the two pul- 1eys a1; one endthereof are designated 122 and I24 while the two pulleysat the other endthereof will be referred to as I22' and I 24', it being understood thatthe pulley I24 is be10w the pulley I22 anal that the pulley I24' isbelow the pulley I22. By referring 120 Figs. 6, 11, 12 and 13, it Willbe understood that one end 01 a. flexible element such as a cable I26 issecured I:o a projection I28 carried by ehe housing member 36. From theprojection I28, this cab1e passes around the various pulleys in thefollowing order: I I8, II8, HD, III), III8', IM, IM, I22, I22' then inengagement With direction and supporting pulleys I 30, I 32, I34, ancl136 carried by the housing 38, then around the sheave 64 and inengagement with direction pulleys I38, I40 anal I42 and then around ehepulleys I20, HZ, II2, II)8 II6, II6, I24' and I24- with the other end ofthe cable passing around a, pulley I 44 and secured 1:0 one end of aStiff spring M6 whose other end is secured 1:0 a projection I48 carriedby the housing member 38. II: Will be ap;carent that the spring MB isone form 0f device which may be provided for taking up s1ack in thecab1e and that the sheave or driving member 64 will be of such characterthat slipping of the cable thereon is prevented.

In oraler to provide for the crossing of the portions constitutingdifierent stretches of the cable I2, the slides are furnished with s1otsI5I) such as shown in Fig. 7 in connection with the slide IIJ6. When theslides are in nested condition on Ehe elevator or on the t1uck When thelatter is off the elevator, the cable assumes che position shown in Fig.'7. 011 causing the moto-r 5Il to drive the sheave 64 in one direction,the cable will be brought into I:he position shown in Fig. 12 andthereby project the slides of the extensible mechanism toward the leftwhile if the motor is reversed to drive the sheave 64 in the oppositedirection the cable will be brought into the position shown in Fig. 13and thereby project the extensible mechanism toward the right. In theembodiment shown, the extensible mechanism consists of three extensiblemembers, one of which is the central slide 98, another of which is madeup of the two intermediate slides I0 and H32, anal the third of which ismade up of the I:wo outside slides IM anal I06. Since each of theextensible members is adapted t0 move an automobile a litt1e more thanthe distan'ce of its length, iI; Will be understood that three stallsarranged in tandem and extending away from the elevator may be filledwhile by running the truck off the elevator, a large number of stallsmay be filled by the use of a single extensible mechanism. Means isprovided t0 prevent he slide members of the extensible mechanism frombecoming separated from each other When they are extended. Such mea.nsis shown in Fig. 2. When the central slide 98 is projected its fullrelative distance toward the 1eft a stop I52 carried thereby comes intoengagement with a stop I5 carried by the slide I00 and When it isprojected its full relative distance toward the right, a. stop I5I5carried thereby comes into engagement with a stop I5B carried by thes1ide I02. When the intermediate slides IIII1 and I 02 are projectedtheir ful1 relative distance towarcl the left, a, stop I6I] carried bythe s1ide IIIII comes into engagement with a stop I6'2 carried by theslide IM, and When the intermediate s1ides IIIII anal III2 are projectedtheir ful1 relative distance toward the right, a stop IIS4 carried bythe slide I-G2 comes into engagement with a stop IIS6 carried by theslide IIII5. When the outside slides II'I4 and I06 are projected theirfull relative d1'stancetoward the left, a stop I68 carried by the 'slideI 04 comes into engagement with a stop I'I carried by the housing 36 andWhen the outside slides I 04 and I06 are projected their full relativedistance toward the right, a stob I'I2 Car- 1ied by I:he slide I06 comesinto engagement with a stop IM carried by the housing 38.

II; is preferable that the sections of Ehe telescoping slides shall becaused to always move outwardly in a predetermined order. Mechanism foraccomplishing this result is shown in Figs. 17 and 18. When the slidesare in nested condition, a spring-pressed holt I'I6 carried by thehousing 3I5 engages in a notch in the slide I IM, a spring-p-ressed holtI'I8 carrie-d by the slide II!!! engages in a notch in the s1ide IMWhile a spring-pressed. holt I8II carried by the central slide 98engages in a notch in the s1ide IM). When I he projection movement isstarted, all 0f ehe slides will move outvvardly together due to tha factthat the engaging end c-f the holt IIG is rounded and does net projectvery far into i.ts notch. The combinec'l movement of I:he slides issuificient to carry an automobile into the first stell which, o-fcourse, is the one adjacent tr1e elevator. If the projecting movement iscontinued, the intermediate slides IIIII and II2 Will next mc-veoutwardly it being noted that the engaging cnd of the holt I'I8 isso-mewhat sharp and extend.s somewhat further into its notch than is thecase with the holt II5. This movement is sufiicie-nt eo carry anautomobile into the second stell Which is further out. The center slide98 Will be the last to move out due to the fact that the engag" fing endof the holt I8II is sharper. This last movement of the slides Whenemployed Will cause an automobile to move into the thi1'd stall It isobvious that by increasing the number of slizies, the number of stallsWhich may be filled in tandem relation will be correspondinglyincreased.

II; will be understood that some rneans must be provided for causing eheslides to be connected With the automobile which is t0 be pushed 01T theelevator er truck and also to be connected with an automobile which isto be pulled 021 to the elevator or truck. For this purposeQ a rotatableshaftlike member I82 is mounted in bearings I8 I and I8 carried by Izhecentral s1i-de Q8. The shaft I82 is provided with ab least two0utstanding pins I88 and I9I) so spaced f1om each other as to be capableof straddling t-he axle A of an automobile When they are moved intoposition extending upwardly as shown in Fig. 5. In oraler to giverotative movement to the shait I82, for engaging anal releasing thesepins with relation to the axle, the shaft is provided with a bevel gearI92 which meshes wit-h a bevel III-4 which is integral with er securedto a pinion I96. This pinion meshes With e 1ack I98 carriecl for slidingmovement by the core 206 of a selenoid 202 so that the shaft I32 will begiven rotetive movement in one direction When the selenoid is energizedand will be given rotative move ment in the opposite direction When thesolenoid is deenergized. In orde1 to supply current to the 0011 of thesolenoid regardless of the position 01 the s1ide 9B, a cord 204 isconneeted to said coil and this cord after passing around direction pul-1eys 206, 208, 2II) anti 2I2 Winds upon a r-ee1 2I which permits thecord 2M to be drawn out When the slideis extendecl.

As shown in Fig. 4, current is supplied by a feed line 2I6 to aconducting cable 2I8 which 15 wound on a real 220 mounted on theelevator platform 24, the outer end of this cable being connected to acontact device 222 carried by the truck housing 38. From the contac1;device 222 a wire 224 leads 130 a spring finger 226 mounted on thetruck. When the truck is in p1ace upon the elevator, the spring finger226 engages a spring finger 228 carried by the elevator platform. A wire236 connected With the finger 228 supplies current for operating theelevator as Will be understood from Fig. 16. As son as the truck starts130 move in either direction 011 the elevator,

the contact between the fingers 226 and 228 is broken so that thee1evator cannot be started when the truck 1s oft" the elevator. As shownin Figs. 14, 15, and 16, the wire 224 includes two spring fingers 232and 234 which are secured 170 the truck housing 38 in spaned relation150 each other 120 constitute members 01 a switch. A bridge member 236secured to the slide member 166 completes the circuit between thefingers 232 and 234 when the extensible mechanism is in neutral ornested position upon the elevato1x As soon as the extensible mechanismstarts to move out in either direction, the contact between the fingers232 and 234 is broken so that the elevator cannot be started unless theextensible mechanism is in its neutral retracted position.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 21, the outer end cf the shaft 58 which drivesthe sheave 64, has a screw threaded. portion 238 which carries a, nut246 which is thereb,y caused to move back and forth as the extensiblemechanism is extended and retracted. Adjacent the screwthreaded portion238, a solenoid 242 is secured to the truck housing 36. The solenoidcore 244 is extended a1; both ends 01 the solenoid and at one and issurrounded by a coiled spring 246 which is interposed between a fixedabutment 248 and a collar 256 secured to the core so that when thesolenoid is deenergized, the spring 246 tends to move the core oward theright into the position shown in F1g. 23. Adjacent the collar 256, oneend of an arm 252 is pivotally attached 130 the core 244, this arm beingintermediately pivoted at 254 and its ocher end carrying a contactmember 256 which in the position of 23 engages a fixed contact member258. The other end of the core 244 insulatively carries a contact member266 which in the position shown in Figs. 21 and 22 bridges two fingers262 and 264 spaced from each other 130 form members of a switch.Adjacent the contac1: member 266, one end of an arm 266 1s pivotallyattached 120 the eure 244, this arm being intermediately pivoted at 268and its other and carrying a contact memher 216 which in the position ofFigs. 21 and 22 engages a contact member 212 and in the position of Fig.23 is disengaged therefrom. The two coutact members 256 and 216 arejoined by a wire 213. As shown in Fig. l, an operators seat 214 isplaced in suitable position on the truck adjacen1; a switch stand 216 onwhich is p1aced a switch which as shown in Figs. 22, 23, 24 and 25inc1udes a pivoted arm 218 adapted to be engaged With either one of twocontacts 286 and 282. Also mounted on the switch stand, there is adouble throw switch which includes the arrns 264 and 286. The arm 284 ispivot-ally attached 1:0 a comtact 288 and is adapted 130 be engagedeither with a contact 296 as shown in Fig. 22 er With two oontacts 292and 294 ab the same time, as shown in Fig. 23. The arm 286 is pivotallyattached 150 a contact 296 and is adapted to be engagd either with thecontact 292 as shown in Fig. 2 or With the contact 266 as shown in Fig.23. The pivoted end of the arm 286 carries three branches 298, 366 and.

362. In the position of Fig. 22, the branch 298 engages a contact 364and the brauch 362 engages a contac1; 366 while in the position of Fig.23, the intermediate branch 366 engages the contact 366. The manner inWhich the various contacts are wired. up will be understood inconnection with the following description of the operation of thisportion of the device. In Fig. 22, the extensible mechanism has beenprojected. for its Iu1l 1engch toward. the right and has beenautomatically stopped in a manner which Will soon be apparent and theoperator has just thrown the switch members 284 and 236 from theposition shown in Fig. 23 into that shown in Fig. 22 in order to starbthe retracting movement towardtheleft. Curren1; now flows through thesupply wire 363, the solenoid coil, a wire 616, contacts 262, 266, and264, a wire 312, the contact 286, the switch member 218 and a wire 314170 the return wire 316, thereby energizing the solenoid 242 and holdingthe core 244 toward the left in opposition to the tension of the spring246. A1; the same time, current flows from the supply Wire 368 through awire 318, the wire 213, contacts 216 and 212, a wire 326, contact 364,and. brauch 298 to the contac1: 296. Here the current divides, a portionof it passing through the switch member 286, conoact 292, the fieldWinding 322, of the motor, and wire 324 to the return wire 316. Theother portion of the current passes from the contact 296 through thebranch 362, contact 366, a wire 326, the armature winding 326 of themotor 56, a Wire 336, contact 286, switch member 284, contact 296 and awire 332 t0 the return wire 316. The passage 01 current through the 0011328 causes the motor 56 120 turn in the proper direction t0- retract theextensible mechanism and a1; the same time feed the nut 246 toward theleft. It is obvious that the operator may at any time before the nut 246reaches the arm 252, throw the switch members 284 and 266 and therebyscop the motor. In F1g. 23, the extensible mechanism has been projectzedfr its fu11 length toward the 1eft and has been automatically stopped onaccount of the nut 246 having engaged the arm 252 and move the solenoidcore toward the right, thereby breaking the connection between thecontacts 216 and 212. At the same time, the bridge 266 has beenautomatically moved from engagement With the contacts 262 and 264. Inthe position shown in Fig. 23, the operator has just thrown the switchmembers 284 and 286 from the position shown in F1'g. 22 in Order startthe retracting movement toward the righ. Current now fiows through thesupply wire 368, the wire 318, the wire 213, contacts 256 and 258, awire 334, the contact 294 and the switch member 284, it being noted Chatthis switch member is 1ong enough to engage the two contaccs 292 and294. A1; the contact 292, the current divicles, a portion 0f it passingthrough the fielc1 wlnding 322 and the Wire 324 1:0 the return wire 316.The other portion of the curren passes from the contact 262 through theswitch member 284, contact: 288, the armatur e 328 in the reversedirectlon from that shown in Fig. 22, the wire 326, contact 366, thebranch 366, contact 268, the switch member 286, the contact 296, and thewire 332 130 the return wire 316. I1; Will be noted that the rn0t0r 56is rotated in reverse direction from tha1; in Fig. 22. It is obviousthat the operator may a1; any tirne before the nut 246 reaches the arm266 throw the switch members 284 and 286 and thereby stop the motor. Theextensible members may thus be stopped in nested condition on theelevator o1 they may be stopped in such position that an auto- Idirection, he throws the switch member 218 from the position of Fig. 22into thas of Fig. 24 so that With the brldge 260 in the position of Fig.23, current will fiow through the solenoid. 242, a wire 336. the contact282, the switch member 2'd3, and.

. 15 the wire 3 I 4, to the return wire 3 I6. The energization 0f thesolenoid 242 Will pu1l t-he eure 2M from the position of Fig. 23 intothat of Fig. 22 against thetension of the spring 246 so that the brid.gemember 260 is caused to bridge the contacts 262 and 264. If he wishes toreverse in the other direction, then the switch member 278 is throwninto the position shewn in Fig. 25.

'Ihe operation and advantages of my invention have in large measurealready been sei; forth. In the useof the device, an automobile on theground floor is brought close to the elevator shafi; and. the elevatorplatform is lowered so as to bring the truck thereon into register Withthe ground. floor unless the elevator is alread.y in lowered position.30 The extensible mechanism is oben moved out so the proper extent andby energizing the selenoid 22 the pins I88 and 190 Will be caused tostraddle the axle A of the automobile so that the automobile can bepulled upon the truck by retracting 35 the extensible mechanism in themanner previously sei; forth. When the automobile has been taken up sothe desired. floor, the extensible meehanism may be operated in eitherof two opposite directionS t0 push the automobile i'nto any one of thefirst, second. or third stalls' extending out from the.elevator. Whenstalls along the alleyways are to be filled, the truck may be moved 01Tthe elevator in either of two directions t0 any desired p1ace on thealleyways, the movemeni; of the 5 truck being at right ang1es to theline in which the extensible mechanism operates, and then by operatingthe extensible mechanisrn, the various sta1ls may be filled, 112 beingunderstood that the mechanism regardless of whether it operates directiy50 oui; from the elevator or from the truck when off the eleirator maybe extended. for i;he distance of at least three stalls.

I claim:

1. In an automobile storage device for buildings 55 having a plurality0f fioors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanismconsisting of a plurality of slides carried by said elevator for pushingand pu1ling automobiles, and mechanism for projeeting said extensiblemechanism for a1;

- 0 least the length of an automobile from said elevator and forretracting said. mechanism.

2. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality offloors, the combination 01" an elevator, extensible mechanism consisting013 a 5 plurality of slides carried. by said elevator for pushing andpulling automobiles, and. mechanism for projecting said extensiblemechanism for at least the length of an automobile from said elevator intwo opposite directions with relation thereto 70 and for retracting saidmechanism.

3. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality o1:floors, the combination of an e1evator, extensible -mechanism consistingof a plurality of slides carried by said. elevator .for

75 pushing and pulling automobiles, mechanism for projecting saidextensible mechanism' for at least the length of an automobile frbmsaid. elevator and for retracting said mechanism, a rotatable membercarried by said extensible mechanism projections on said member, andmechanism for giving said member rotative movement for engagi1ig anddisengaging said proj ections With relation 1:0 the axle of anautomobile.

4. In an automobile storage device for buildings having'a plurality offloors, the combinationof an elevator, slidable mechanism carried bysaid elevatox for pushing and pu11ing automobiles, said siidabiemechanism eonsisting of aplurality of intereonnecteci relatively mvableparts adapted for right line movement and nested together on thee1evator in their retracted. position, a flexible element connected Withsaid slidable meehanism for projecting and rei;racting the latter, anddriving mechanism for said flexible elemeni; adapted 130 be operated inopposite directions.

5. In an automobile storage device for bui1dings having a plurality offloors the combination 013 an elevatoiextensible mechanism consisting ofa plurality of teleseoping s1ides carried by said elevator for pushingand pulling autdniobiles, and mechanism for projecting and retractingsaid slides one after the other.

6. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a. plurality offioors, the eombination of an elevator, extensible mechanism consistingof a plutality of telescoping slides carried. by said elevator forpushing and pulling automobiles, and. mechanism for projecting and.retracting said slides one after the other in predetermined order.

7. In an automobile storage device for bui1dings havin'g a pluralityoffloors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism consistingof a plurality of telescoping slides carried by said elevator forpushing and pulling autom-obiles, pulleys carriiad by said slides, aflexible element stretched. around said pulleys for projecting andretracting said slides, and driving meehanism for said flexible elementadapted. to be operated. in opposite directionS.

8. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality offioors, the eombination of an elevator, extensible mechainism consistingof a plurality of telescoping slides carried by said elevator forpushing and pullihg automobiles, a flexible element stretehed aroundsaid pulleys for projecting and retracting said slides with relation totwo sides of the elevator, and driving mechanism for said flexibleelement adapted to be operated. in opposite directions.

9. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality offloors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism carried bysaid elevator consisting 0f a central slide and slides arranged. at theopposite sides thereof in pairs for pushing and pulling automobiles,and. mechanism for projecting and retracting said central slide and saidpairs one after the other.

10. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality offloors, the combination of an elevator, a truck adapted 1:0 be carriedby said elevator, a reversible motor carried by said truck for drivingthe latter off and on to said elevator, extensible mechanisni consistingof a plurality of slides mounted on said truck for pushing and. pullingautomobiles, and a reversible motor carried by said truck for projectingand retracting said. slides.

11. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality offioors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism Carried bysaid elevator for pushing and pulling automobiles, a movable membercarried by said extensible mechanism adapted to be engaged with anddisengaged from an automobile, a solenoid for operating said movablemember, and means for energizing and de-energizing said solenoid.

12. In an automobile storage device for bui1dings having a plurality offloors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism carried bysaid elevator for pushing and. pulling automobiles, a, rotatable membercarried by said. extensible mechanism and adapted by its rotativemovement be engaged With and disengaged from an automobile, a solenoid,connections between the core of said solenoid and the said rotatablemember for rotating the latter, and means for energizing anddeenergizing said solenoid.

13. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality offloors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism carried bysaid elevator for pushing and pulling automobiles, said extensiblemechanism consisting of a plurality of interconnected relatively movableparts adapted for right 1ine movement and nested together on theelevator in their retracted position, mechanism for projecting saidextensible mechanism, and means for automatically stopping said.extensible mechanism when projected its fu1l extent.

14. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality offloors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism carried bysaid elevator for pushing and pulling automobiles, said extensiblemechanism consisting of a plurality of interconnected relatively movableparts adapted for right 1ine movement; and nested together on theelevator in their retracted position, mechanism for projecting saidextensible mechanism, means for stopping said extensible mechanism atany point in its projection movement, and means for thereupon causingsaid extensible mechanism to be retracted.

15. In an automobile storage device for build ings having a plurality offloors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism carried bysaid elevator for pushing and pulling aubomobiles, said extensiblemechanism consisting of a plurality of interconnected relatively movableparts adapted for right line movement and nested together 0n theelevator in their retracted position, mechanism fr projecting saidextensible mechanism in two opposite directions from said elevator,means for stopping said extensible mechanism at any point in itsprojection movemnt and means for thereupon causing said extensiblemechanism to be retracted.

16. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality offioors, the combination of an elevator, a truck adapted to be carried bysaid elevator, mechanism for moving said truck ofi and on to theelevator, extensible mechanism mounted on said truck for pushing andpul1ing automobiles, said extensible mechanism consisting of a pluralityof interconnected relatively movable parts adapted. for right linemovement and nested together on the elevator in their retractedposition, mechanism for projecting said extensible mechanism from saidtruck, means for stopping said extensible mechanism ab any point in itsprojection movement, and means for thereupon causing said extensiblemechanism to be retracted.

17. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality offloors, the combination of an elevator, a truck adapted be carried bysaid elevator, mechanism for moving said truck 01T and on to saidelevator with relation to two opposite sides thereof, extensiblemechanism mounted on saicl truck for pushing and pulling automobiles,said extensible mechanism consisting of a plurality of interconnectedrelatively movable parts adapted for right 1ine movement and nestedtogether on Ehe elevator in their retracted position, mechanism forprojecting said extensible mechanism from said truck for every positionthereof, means for stopping said extensible mechanism at any point inits projection movement and means for thereupon causing said extensiblemechanism to be retracted.

EDWIN M. WHEELOCK.

